Well, I actually started working with a social retailer! Most of you already know, but for those of you who don't, I own my boutique with Chloe + Isabel (bit.ly/meresboutique). The last year has been an interesting journey to say the least. I feel like I've tried a lot of new things that I never would have attempted had I not started with Chloe + Isabel. I've definitely been putting myself out there more and experimenting with my personal style to find what I love and what I don't. I've discovered a lot of eh styles for me and think it's safe to say my sense of fashion will never stop evolving! I started as a merchandiser with Chloe + Isabel on the day before Halloween last year, and these past few months experiencing the position have been very fulfilling, actually.
Still, sometimes I find myself thinking, 'how can I do better?' Or, 'what would help me build my small business?' I'm full of doubts some days, but the best I can do is keep pushing forward. I love reaching out to my friends and getting their take on the new collection, but the 'NO's' are hard to hear. I'm learning though. I can only get better through experience. And the great part is the connections I've made and the motivation I've discovered through the journey I've begun. I've done so many great things since I started! I was a top 20 merchandiser for most of the year, made it to $10K in lifetime sales, and was featured in The Nest (the C+I blog) all because I have a great support network! <3
I LOVE this business! I love the freedom I have with it and how I can run it any way I like. I enjoy being able to sit and chat with people about my boutique, fashion, jewelry, or just like while I'm working and still feel like I'm accomplishing something without it feeling like a lot of work! Yes, I get paid to party and socialize and be fashionable - and it's amazing! But it's difficult as well. I have to be consistent and outgoing to make it work. I need your support to be successful, but I love you all so I'm good with it!
Since the holidays are approaching, I'm quickly filling my party and event calendar to make sure I plan all the parties and collaborate with my hostesses to make their parties as successful as possible. I want to make sure you get free jewelry for partying with me! And have lots of fun, of course :D I have the best support system through all of this! Our community is an amazing tribe that I have been so lucky to get to know! My mentor is always pushing us past our expectations to show us that YES we ARE capable of greatness and even more than we ever thought possible!
The reason I started with Chloe + Isabel was to have an income during my MSc in Belfast. I didn't think I was allowed to work in Northern Ireland on the visa I had, so I needed to do something so I had some money. I've worked the entire time I was in college because I don't have the financial support of others at my disposal and I didn't want to take out a ton of loans that I have to pay back eventually, you know? So, I expected this to be just another job I do to make money, but honestly, it's become so much more than that! Most days, I want to come home and start talking to people about my business, sending out packages and lookbooks, planning parties and giveaways, and researching how I can be a better merchandiser for you. My 'why' went from "I need money" to "How can I be a better merchandiser and more successful business owner?"I've realised that as long as I stand by my values, stay honest with my clients, friends, and family, and work on customer service, I can work with everything else.
Please keep me in mind this holiday season. YOU, my customer and support, are everything to my business. Spending $100 at another retail or department store during the holidays won't make a difference to them; but spending $100 through a small business owner during the holidays or for gifting means our business can continue. It gives us our pay, provides for our families or helps us pay bills, helps us meet our personal goals, and helps us continue to do what we love without using harsh sales techniques. The big stores will not care about you the way we will because, unfortunately, you don't mean that much to them. YOU mean the world to us - shop a home/direct sales business for Christmas this year!
THANK YOU!!
xo,
Mere
